Carlexica

1991 Mazda 626: problems, recalls and reliability

2 recalls and 62 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is seat belts (45% of complaints); the 1992 model year looks more trouble-free.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 1993

2
recalls
62
owner complaints
0
fire reports
131,000
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

Among the quietest 626 years (#11 of 13 by complaints, age-adjusted)No fire reportsProblems tend to appear late (median 131,000 mi)Weak spot: seat belts (45%)

Common problems

Computed from 62 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Seat Belts45% · 28 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)16% · 10 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)11% · 7 complaints
Latches/Locks/Linkages (door locks, latches, hood release)6% · 4 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)5% · 3 complaints
Visibility (windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors)3% · 2 complaints
Tl*the contact owns a 1991 mazda 626. He stated that there was a leak coming from the front of the transmission. Approximately a year ago, the transmission failed and he had it rebuilt. The mechanic stated that he would need to purchase a new transmission. The failure mileage was 112,000 and the current mileage 124,000.Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2007
Power adjusted seat stuck, making it impossible for consumer to adjust the seat as needed. Dealership was notified,but did not resolve the problem. *akOwner report · Seats · Sep 2004
When putting the vehicle in drive it surged forward. This caused the consumer to lose control of the vehicle, and hit a building head on. Consumer stated that the accelerator pedal was stuck to the floorboard. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealership. *akOwner report · Vehicle Speed Control · May 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
Front driver's side door did not open. Vehicle was taken to dealership, where the mechanic replaced the door latch. *akOwner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Feb 2004
While driving home from work, the car was going pretty slowly. When I pressed the gas more, it didn't seem to help. It slowed to a crawl then stopped. The transmission just decided to stop. This is on a mazda 626. There were no other indications of the failure and now I have to get a new transmission!*akOwner report · Power Train · Jul 2003
While traveling on te highway without prior warning a flashing light appeared on the dashboard, overdrive light on/off, causing the vehicle to jerk.*akOwner report · Power Train · Jun 2003
Consumer states that the front seat belts will not retract . Dealer notified repaired and replace and 4 months later they both broke again. NlmOwner report · Seat Belts · Sep 2002
Vehicle was going 70-75mph in 5th gear and suddenly downshifted to 1st gear and locked up. No warning was indicated. Speedometer wasn't working at the time. Consumer has not yet contacted dealer. Consumer please add VIN# and mileage.*akOwner report · Power Train · Jun 2001
Driver's side door will not open. Had to enter vehicle through passenger's side door. Passenger's side door won't open from the inside or outside. Please provide any further information.*akOwner report · Visibility · Sep 2000
While making a turn at highway speeds front end started to make a loud noise, the struts cracked. Dealer has been notified. *akOwner report · Suspension · Mar 2000

When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 9 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 2 campaigns

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:DRUM93E035000 · Oct 1993

THE GROOVE FOR THE REAR WHEEL BEARING RETAINER RING WAS INCORRECTLY MACHINED.

Remedy: MIDAS SHOPS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE DRUMS WITH OTHER BRAKE DRUMS FROM ANOTHER SUPPLIER.

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR93V174000 · Oct 1993

RESIN MOLDED FRONT HANDLES FAIL AT THE DOOR LATCH ACTUATING ROD ATTACHMENT, FREEING THE ROD TO FALL INSIDE THE DOOR FRAME. SUBSEQUENT LOWERING OF THE ASSOCIATED WINDOW MAY FORCE THE ACTUATING ROD DOWNWARD AND RELEASE THE DOOR LATCH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DOOR HANDLE/LATCH ASSEMBLY.

Specifications

Factory options offered for the 1991 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.

Cylinders4
FuelGasoline
Body stylesHatchback/Liftback/Notchback · Sedan/Saloon

How other years compare

Check your exact 626 by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

Open VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1991 Mazda 626 reliable?

NHTSA has 62 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1991 Mazda 626. The most complained-about area is seat belts (45% of complaints).

At what mileage do 1991 Mazda 626 problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 131,000 miles or less.

Does the 1991 Mazda 626 have open recalls?

2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:drum:drum. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.